VA clinic plagued by thieves despite security upgrades

Despite security upgrades, thieves have repeatedly targeted the site of a Springfield (Mo.) future Veterans Affairs clinic, according to an article on the Springfield News-Leader website.

The thieves have taken computers with "sensitive information," $20,000 of copper material, dozens of power tools and more.

Records show the site has been burglarized at least six times since construction began in October 2016.

A spokeswoman for the VA said security was beefed up following a December 2016 incident, when police say someone broke open a toolbox at the site, took out a metal pry bar and used it to break into a trailer.

In building these facilities, healthcare facility managers and their construction partners must strike a balance of incorporating necessary elements of a medical facility, while maintaining a comfortable, homelike atmosphere